Free District of Columbia DMV Practice Test (2026)

District of Columbia · Checked October 2026

Practice for the District of Columbia permit test with a learning path built around the District of Columbia Department of Motor Vehicles rules: a District of Columbia-only module on the state's own laws and teen-license limits, core rules-of-the-road lessons, instant explanations and a timed exam simulation.

Start learning About the District of Columbia test

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District of Columbia permit test at a glance

QuestionsNot published

To passSee handbook

Min. permit age16

AgencyDC DMV

DC DMV does not publish the number of questions or the passing score. The GRAD (learner permit) knowledge test has a 75-minute limit and is offered walk-in at DMV Service Centers ($10) in 15 languages including Spanish (9 more were added in December 2025), or by appointment virtually ($49.95) or at a Test Proctoring Center ($39.95). If you fail, wait 3 full calendar days; after 6 failures in 12 months you must wait 12 months from the first failure.

The District of Columbia Department of Motor Vehicles does not publish the exact number of questions, so our timed simulation uses a standard 25-question format with the official passing score.

Tip: Start with module 1, “District of Columbia laws & permit rules”. These 12 questions cover rules that are specific to District of Columbia, the part of the test that general study guides usually miss.

District of Columbia traffic laws you will be tested on

Topic	District of Columbia rule	Source
Phones and earbuds	You may not hold a phone or use it without a hands-free accessory while driving, and you may not wear headphones or earbuds in both ears. The fine is $100.	code.dccouncil.gov
Under-21 alcohol limit	A driver under 21 is legally intoxicated with any measurable amount of alcohol in the blood, breath or urine.	code.dccouncil.gov
Adult alcohol limit	Drivers 21 and older are legally intoxicated at a blood or breath alcohol concentration of 0.08 or more (0.04 in a commercial vehicle).	code.dccouncil.gov
Seat belts	The driver and all passengers must wear a properly adjusted and fastened seat belt.	code.dccouncil.gov
Child passengers	Children under 8 must ride in an installed infant, convertible or booster seat, and every child under 16 must be restrained. A child under 2 who weighs less than 40 pounds or is shorter than 40 inches must ride rear-facing.	code.dccouncil.gov
Default speed limits	Unless posted otherwise, the limit is 20 mph on DC city streets and 15 mph in alleys and school zones.	dmv.dc.gov
Left turn on red	Turning left on a red light is always illegal in the District of Columbia.	dmv.dc.gov
Headlights	Turn on headlights from half an hour after sunset to half an hour before sunrise, whenever you cannot see clearly 500 feet ahead, in tunnels, and whenever your windshield wipers are on.	dmv.dc.gov

District of Columbia learner permit and teen license rules

Learner permit at 16: drive only with a licensed driver 21 or older who holds a full license and sits in the front passenger seat, only between 6:00 a.m. and 9:00 p.m., with no other passengers and no phone use (not even hands-free).
Provisional license: be at least 16 and a half, hold the permit 6 months with no pointable violations for 6 straight months, turn in the 40-hour supervised driving certification (driver 21+), and pass the road test.
Provisional passengers: one licensed driver 21 or older in the front seat, plus your siblings, children or parents only.
Provisional driving hours: September to June, Sunday to Thursday 6:00 a.m. to 10:59 p.m. and Friday to Saturday 6:00 a.m. to 11:59 p.m.; July and August, every day 6:00 a.m. to 11:59 p.m. (exceptions for work, school, religious or athletic activities, or with a licensed driver 21+).
Full license with conditions: at least 17, provisional held 6 months, 12 months with no pointable violations, and 10 hours of certified night driving with a licensed driver 21+.
Until you turn 18 with a full license with conditions: no more than 2 passengers under 21 (siblings do not count) and the same hour limits; all limits end at 18.
GRAD ends at 21: a permit holder can schedule the road test right away, without the 40-hour form or the 6-month wait.

How to get your District of Columbia learner's permit

Print and fill out the DC DMV Driver License or Identification Card Application.
Gather originals: proof of identity and date of birth, proof of Social Security number, and two proofs of DC residency. If you are 16 or 17, bring the Parental Consent Form signed by your parent or guardian (with a birth certificate, adoption order or guardianship decree).
Pass the knowledge test: walk in at a DMV Service Center ($10), or test virtually or at a Test Proctoring Center by appointment. If you pass outside a Service Center, go to one within 14 business days or you must retest.
At the Service Center, pass the vision screening and have your photo taken.
Pay the $20 learner permit fee. You get a temporary paper permit valid 45 days, and the card is mailed within 10 business days (not to PO boxes).
Practice at least 40 hours with a licensed driver 21+, and after 6 months schedule the road test, bringing the 40-hour certification form.

Sample District of Columbia-specific questions

Here are four of the 12 questions in our District of Columbia module. Each one is based on the official DC DMV Automobile Driver Manual or District of Columbia law; open the answer to see the rule behind it.

1. What is the minimum age to get a DC DMV learner permit?

15
15 and a half
16
17

Show answer

Correct answer: 16. DC DMV requires you to be at least 16 to get a learner permit, and you must also pass the vision screening and knowledge test. Source: dmv.dc.gov

2. During what hours may a DC learner permit holder drive?

5:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m.
6:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.
6:00 a.m. to 10:59 p.m.
Any time, if a supervisor is in the car

Show answer

Correct answer: 6:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.. With a DC learner permit you may only drive between 6:00 a.m. and 9:00 p.m., always with a qualified supervisor. Source: dmv.dc.gov

3. Who must sit beside a DC learner permit holder while they drive?

Any licensed driver 18 or older
A parent or guardian only
A certified driving instructor only
A driver 21 or older who holds a valid full driver license

Show answer

Correct answer: A driver 21 or older who holds a valid full driver license. The supervising driver must be at least 21, hold a valid full driver license, and sit in the front passenger seat next to you. Source: dmv.dc.gov

4. How many hours of supervised driving must a GRAD driver under 21 certify before the road test for a provisional license?

40 hours
20 hours
50 hours
60 hours

Show answer

Correct answer: 40 hours. You must bring the 40-hour Certification of Eligibility for Provisional License, showing at least 40 hours of driving with a licensed driver 21 or older. Source: dmv.dc.gov

How this practice test works

Learn the District of Columbia rules first: module 1 covers the state's permit test, teen-license limits and traffic laws.
Work through the core modules: signs, signals, right-of-way, speed, lanes, special situations, impairment and sharing the road.
Practice 5 questions at a time: every answer shows an explanation, and missed questions come back until you get them right.
Take the timed District of Columbia exam simulation and review every mistake before your appointment.

Frequently asked questions

Is driver's education required to get a license in DC?

No. DC DMV's mandatory driver education was suspended indefinitely, but it is encouraged. The DMV-approved course is 30 hours of classroom instruction plus 8 hours behind the wheel at certified driving schools.

Can I take the DC knowledge test from home?

Yes. The standard and GRAD knowledge tests can be taken virtually by appointment ($49.95) or at a Test Proctoring Center ($39.95). After you pass, visit a DMV Service Center within 14 business days with your documents, or the result will not be honored.

How long is a DC learner permit valid?

A REAL ID learner permit is valid for 2 years for U.S. citizens and cannot be renewed. If it expires, you must pass the knowledge test again to get a new permit.

What happens if I turn 21 while I am in the GRAD program?

You are released from GRAD. With a learner permit you can schedule the road test right away, without the 40-hour form or the 6-month wait; with a provisional license you can go to a Service Center for a regular license.

Are these the real DMV test questions?

No. The District of Columbia Department of Motor Vehicles does not publish its exam. Our District of Columbia module is written from the official handbook and state law, and the core modules cover the rules of the road taught in every state handbook.

Is this practice test free?

Yes. Every lesson, practice round and exam simulation is free, with no sign-up.

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Official District of Columbia sources

Every District of Columbia fact and question on this page was checked in October 2026 against the official handbook, the District of Columbia Department of Motor Vehicles website or District of Columbia law. When an official source did not publish a detail (for example, the number of test questions), we say so instead of guessing. Rules change, so confirm with the District of Columbia Department of Motor Vehicles before your test. PracticePermit.us is an independent study resource and is not affiliated with any government agency. How we write and check our questions.

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